Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree. I go through towns, see vacant and derelict buildings and ask why we are not doing something with these. They are a resource now because they are serviced, they have electricity, sewerage and water. We have been doing a lot of work with local authorities trying to get more people back living in the centre of towns. I am a great supporter of that because I believe there are huge opportunities. In fairness, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has been doing a huge amount of work. The vacant home refurbishment grant of up to €70,000 is available. There is huge demand for that scheme. It costs a bit extra to do up a town centre property. Sometimes you meet problems you certainly would not meet on a new build. That is why that is available - to help them. It is great, particularly when you drive through the country, to see old houses that were derelict and have now become wonderful new properties that families are moving into. The Department of housing also has vacant homes officers in local authorities who lead on other schemes like the repair and lease scheme and the buy and renew scheme. Some local authorities have used those schemes to great effect. The local authority in Waterford in particular has shown what can be achieved through those schemes. There is a learning here. Some local authorities are great, others are not as good. I say, get them all in the room and let them all tell you what they are doing. It is no harm. It perhaps creates a bit of competition. They should learn from their colleagues because we want to make all of our towns and villages better places in which to work and live.

The Department of housing is also doing a lot of work in larger towns and cities through the urban regeneration fund and looking at how to combat vacancy and dereliction. My focus in my Department is on repurposing buildings for remote work, enterprise centres and community centres. That has always been my focus. The Department of housing is looking at getting more people into towns. I am trying to increase footfall with digital hubs and enterprise centres. More people are coming into those now. That is good for towns because what brings vibrancy to towns is people. We need people, whether living or working, in our towns. That is what makes the difference.

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